Aamir Khan recalls his first meeting with Dharmendra, says 'his hands felt like a shovel'
Mumbai, August 13
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently recalled his first meeting with late Bollywood superstar Dharmendra.
The actor shared a fun anecdote about their first handshake during his latest appearance on the quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18.
Aamir, who was on the hot seat with Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, recalled olden times when he was still working as an assistant director when he first met Dharmendra at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office, which was located right opposite to the iconic Mehboob Studio in Mumbai.
Recalling the incident, Aamir said, "Sir, main ek kissa sunau? Main Dharam ji se pehli dafa mila tha, main Nasir sahab ke office mein baitha tha, Mehboob Studio ke bilkul saamne. Dharam ji is very close to Nasir sahab, saath mein film bhi ki thi Yaadon Ki Baaraat, toh aksar actors unko milne aa jaate the because his office was right opposite to Mehboob."
(Sir, can I tell you a story? The first time I met Dharam ji, I was sitting in Nasir sahab's office, right opposite Mehboob Studio. Dharam ji was very close to Nasir sahab and had also worked with him in Yaadon Ki Baaraat, so actors would often come to meet him because his office was right opposite Mehboob Studio.)
He added, "Toh ek din Dharam ji achanak se aa gaye. Toh main assistant tha, main khada ho gaya, aur Chachajaan ne taareef karaya, 'Dharam ji, yeh mera bhatija hai, Aamir.' Toh maine Dharam ji se haath milaya. Dharam ji ka haath faavde ki tarah tha aur jab maine haath milaya toh actually main dar gaya. Itna bada haath kiska hota hai bhai, aur itna rough, aur maa kasam mujhe first thought aaya, Sunny aur Bobby ka."
(One day, Dharam ji suddenly walked in. I was an assistant, so I stood up, and Chachajaan introduced me, saying, 'Dharam ji, this is my nephew, Aamir.' I shook hands with Dharam ji. His hand was like a shovel, and when I shook his hand, I actually got scared. Whose hand is this big? And it was so rough. I swear, my first thought was about Sunny and Bobby)
Dharmendra's physical presence along his good looks made him known as the He-Man of Bollywood.
Dharmendra passed away died in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. He had a career spanning more than six decades and featured in over 300 films.
After making his debut in 1960, he went on to become one of Hindi cinema's biggest stars.
His blockbuster movies included Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Sholay.
His final years saw him be a part of movies such as Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Ikkis.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's so heartwarming to hear these personal stories about Dharmendra ji. He was truly one of a kind - rugged, charming, and incredibly talented. The fact that Aamir's first thought upon feeling his rough hands was about Sunny and Bobby shows how much of a legend he was. Bollywood has truly lost a gem. His films like Sholay and Chupke Chupke will always be timeless classics.
I'm not Indian, but I've been following Bollywood for years and Dharmendra was a true icon. It's wonderful to hear these candid memories from another legend like Aamir Khan. The way these stories are passed down keeps the legacy alive. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. Your impact crossed all borders. 🙏
Honestly, this makes me emotional. Dharmendra ji was the epitome of masculinity with a soft heart. Aamir's description of that handshake is so respectful and humorous at the same time. It's these small, personal stories that make us realize how larger-than-life these stars were. Bollywood will never see another He-Man like him. Also, KBC season is already delivering such gems!
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in Nasir sahab's office that day! Imagine young Aamir, just starting his journey, meeting the legendary Dharmendra. The way he respectfully stood up and the introduction by his uncle - it's like a scene from a classic film. Indian cinema has lost a true pillar, but stories like these keep his memory alive. Rest in peace, Dharam sahab.
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